Full Breakdown
Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall Accuses Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of Politicizing the Military
9/7/2026, 4:32:40 AM
Core Accusation and Immediate Fallout
Former Air Force secretary Frank Kendall told ABC News’ *This Week* that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is “attempting to politicize our military.”
Recent Pentagon Turmoil
Kendall’s remarks come amid a week of senior-level turnover. Army secretary Dan Driscoll resigned, an exit described as one of the most consequential Pentagon departures since Hegseth took office. Earlier personnel actions under Hegseth have included the removal of former Joint Chiefs chairman Charles Q. Brown Jr., Navy chief Lisa Franchetti and Army chief of staff Randy George. The changes occur while the United States remains engaged in military operations against Iran, heightening concerns about stability within the defense establishment.
Official Statements & Responses
Kendall emphasized the stakes ahead of the November midterm elections, stating, “As we approach the midterms, I’m worried that all of our guardrails are gone.” North Carolina senator Thom Tillis, who voted to confirm Hegseth, wrote on X, “I urge the President to find a new leader at the Pentagon who will retain and empower our military talent rather than diminish it.” Representative Don Bacon, a former Air Force brigadier general, acknowledged Hegseth’s authority to remove senior officers but argued the firings were “not morally right nor wise” and “show lack of character.”
Criticism & Opposition
Both Tillis and Bacon, Republicans, have publicly criticized Hegseth’s handling of senior personnel decisions, indicating that opposition to the secretary’s approach crosses party lines. Their statements focus on perceived damage to military talent and the moral implications of dismissing senior leaders without clear cause.
Data & Statistics
- Approximately 25 senior officers have been dismissed, according to Kendall.
- Notable departures under Hegseth’s tenure include Charles Q. Brown Jr., Lisa Franchetti, Randy George, and Dan Driscoll.
- The turnover has been described as the most significant set of Pentagon exits since Hegseth assumed the defense secretary role.
